Padrón Family Reserve No. 44 (Natural)

Rank: 4

Rating: 95

Price: $32.10

Made By: Tabacos Cubanica S.A.

Factory Location: Nicaragua

Dimensions: 6" by 52 ring gauge

Filler: Nicaragua

Binder: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Is it any surprise to see a Padrón cigar in the top five position of Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25? The company’s cigars have been named Cigar of the Year a record three times, and have always appeared on the upper echelons of the list—and why shouldn’t they? Padróns are loaded with aged Nicaraguan tobacco full of flavor, aroma and resonance.

Take for example this Padrón Family Reserve No. 44, the first in the series of Family Reserve cigars. When it was created in 2007, it was only available at select Padrón events where a family member was present (hence the name of the brand). There was obviously something special about the cigar. Eventually, the Padróns decided to release the blend commercially, albeit in very limited quantities and at quite a high retail price. The number 44 represents the company’s 44th year in business, which it celebrated in 2008.

Padrón cigars tend to have a few signature gustatory qualities, like chocolate, coffee and nuts. The Family Reserve No. 44 is no different. Its tapered torpedo head concentrates and magnifies these flavor elements, all of which are dynamic and refined, but also rich without being too heavy or overpowering. Great cigars are a hallmark of this family-owned cigar company, but so is consistency. Chances are, the first cigar you light up from a box of Padróns—any box—will be just as fantastic as the last.